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Monica, The Park Hyatt wins that one easily, followed by the Ritz-Carlton (for service). The Park Hyatt is tucked away in the Rocks area on the Harbour looking directly at the Opera House with the Harbour Bridge just behind it and has service to match.

Monica, The note of caution on the hotel/location that Gary has mentioned is that Darling Harbour is not in the city district (about 5km from the rocks), does not front Sydney Harbour in the truest sense, Darling Harbour is a shopping centre which is undergoing major renovations at the moment and is realy a tourist trap in its prices. My advice would be to stick to the main areas such as the rocks,city and so on. I cannot comment on the Medina itself except to say that if it does match the other hotels you have mentioned then Sydney is very lucky indeed.

Checkout-------------------------http://www.sydney-hotels.net/medgrand.htm You will note that the Medina Grand is an apartment hotel complete with washers and dryers in the rooms. This is not in the same catagory as the RITZ CARLTON. In my estimation the RITZ is fine hotel in the middle of a quality location near many cultural activities. It is everything you would expect from a top world class hotel. We would choose this over the PARK HYATT.

Hi Monica As you can see, there are varied opinions on which hotel is 'best'! I think I agree with Michael, that from your choices the Park Hyatt would be the overall best as its location is pretty much unbeatable. Most of the top notch hotels in Sydney offer good service. Personally, in terms of rooms and service, I think the Observatory Hotel wins hands down - but its location is a drawback. Although it is in the city and close to the Rocks, it doesn't have the views of the Park Hyatt. If you were interested in the Medina apartments that were mentioned by someone, I would recommend Quay West apartments instead. They are very nice, have great views of the main harbour and are right in the thick of things near the Rocks. I would agree that being at Darling Harbour would not be as good as being in the city proper.

Dear Monica. We stayed at the Sheraton on the park in September and did not like the food or service , The Ritz Carlton is a fine hotel anywhere is the world we have stayed. Don't drink the water in Sydney!(read Sydney newpaper online).

What about the ANA hotel in Sydney? I am planning a trip in early December and I have heard that the executive club floor is wonderful, with stunning views and good location. Does anyone have any experience with the ANA?

Victoria I have stayed at the ANA - the rooms were fine and views are great. Make sure you go up to the Horizons Bar (36th floor) for a drink just before sunset. Get there about 4.30pm to ensure you can get a table right in the window on the side overlooking the opera house and bridge - it's a great view, and the opera house looks fabulous in the pink/orange glow of the sunset. Have fun Michelle

As a Sydney native I haven't had the need to actually sleep at any of the hotels you mentioned but if I were a tourist and finances were no problem I'd pick the Park Hyatt - it has, position, position, position!

There is a new hotel right in the centre of Sydney called Forum The grace Hotel. It is an Intercontenial I think. It is within an old building which has been totally renovated. I have attended a conference there but have not stayed. I do not think the views would be all that good but it is right in the centre of town. There is also the Wentworth and the Menzies. there are a number of 5* hotels in Sydney. On of the most popular for overseas high flyers is the Regent. It overlooks the harbour.

By the way the water is fine. They have worked out the "bugs" have always been there but they have only just discovered them due to new testing equipment. There is nothing to worry about.